Some goetzei stats + pics

Since early 2008 I’ve been weighing my group of Trioceros goetzei on a weekly basis on top documenting their behaviours in captivity. I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do with this information at this point but I certainly need to compile it into something. Here’s a couple of interesting graphs comparing the static annual weight of a male versus the variable measurements of the females. These guys breed once a year – usually in early February - and it shows the rapid weight gain the females put on after almost immediately after mating. I know I’ve discussed this fact in several ovoviviparous breeding threads over the years. In fact the subtle weight gain was a good indicator this year as to when my female was receptive. With the T. goetzei, one can easily miss the subtle indictors of receptivity if not diligent. Sadly I lost the only male T. goetzei ever imported to old age last year so this remaining girl of the original group sent 2005 is living her senior years in pampered luxury. I would be very surprised if she dropped slugs this year. Perhaps this weight gain indictor may be of use to those of you working with the more common seasonal breeders like the Trioceros werneri.





And some gratuitous pictures of my collection while I’m at it. (Warning: spiders!)

Princess Sparkle aka Mrs. Goetzei Three







Trioceros cristatus





Grammostola aureostriata



Brachypelma vagans



Cheers,
Trace

A great post if there werent those ugly spiders

Is ms sparkle always that color?
I love it

nice posts and indeed it should be possible to learn something from the graphs.

Very interesting stuff, Trace. Thanks for sharing. Let me know if you'd like to compile any of the data you've been putting together for an E-Zine article. I think it'd make for a great article or articles!

Also, what is that cricket the cristatus is eating dusted with? Spirulina?

Chris

Love Princess Sparkle!

Looks a little too light (blue) to be spirulina but I'm sure it isn't always the same color. I was wondering that myself!

Very great stuff, Trace, as always.

Yup, that's spirulina. I dust with that once a week.

Chris, I've got a small article written on the goetzei already but I'd like to expand it into something a little meatier. Maybe you can give me some direction on how it should go or where I should start. I also have some other articles written (werneri, bitaeniatus and lateralis major) that I'd like to submit for consideration to the ezine.

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

i want a white chameleon lol

I had to bring this thread back for all the new people who have never seen Princess Sparkle we will likely never see another like her in North America. That is just sad.

that is one beautifull animal,
really beautifull Trace

princess sparkle is so beautiful. where is her offspring?